Jakarta – Lelea Village, Lelea District, Indramayu Regency, will be busy with traditional ceremonies. Every third week in December, local people hold the Ngarot Traditional Ceremony, a sacred ritual that has been passed down for hundreds of years. Performed since the early 17th century, this tradition has become a symbol of agricultural revival in Indramayu Regency. This tradition is held specifically on Wednesdays which are considered holy. Ngarot is a form of public expression of gratitude for the previous harvest, as well as a prayer for safety and a smooth planting season ahead. The atmosphere in Lelea Village was filled with a procession of dozens of Ngarot girls and young men dressed in pangsi to the Village Hall. Accompanied by gamelan, sinden and the fragrance of ylang-ylang flowers filling the air, the procession attracts not only locals but also attracts the attention of tourists who want to witness first-hand the rich culture of Indramayu. PAGE TO CONTINUE CONTENT Fresh flower decorations on the heads of the girls and traditional clothes worn by ritual participants give a festive but still sacred impression. The origin and meaning of ‘Ngarot’ The Ngarot tradition has two root meanings. In Sundanese, “nga-rot” means drink or ngaleueut, while “ngaruat” in Sanskrit means to be free from curses. These two meanings then merge into a symbol of liberation from danger and the hope of the community to be kept away from calamities during the planting season. Based on oral history and records of Lelea Village, this tradition was originally intended to gather young people, especially those who were still virgins and virgins, before they were given the responsibility of cultivating the rice fields. Through Ngarot, the community cultivates healthy relationships, strengthens cooperation and creates the value of mutual cooperation in preparation to face the planting season. A symbol of gratitude and a request for hope. For the Lelea farming community, Ngarot is not only an annual tradition but a momentum to express gratitude to the Almighty for the abundance of the previous harvest. Through joint prayers and a series of traditional processions, residents hope that the next planting season will go smoothly, bring bountiful harvests and avoid plagues and natural disasters. These spiritual values allow Ngarot to survive until now. The community believes that solidarity, purity of intentions and togetherness are important parts that determine the success of the harvest. The charm of the Ngarot girls and the Pangsi-clad boys Photo: Special One of the most interesting parts of this tradition is the presence of the Ngarot girls, village girls who look elegant in traditional dress and fresh flower crowns on their heads. The colorful flowers, including ylang-ylang and jasmine, are a symbol of purity as well as their identity as the young generation ready to be involved in the planting season. A myth still believed today states that the flowers carried by the Ngarot girls will remain fresh during the procession. However, if a girl is no longer pure, the flowers are believed to wither by themselves. This belief is one of the attractions that make the Ngarot ritual full of meaning for the community and tourists. Young men dressed in black pangsi also accompanied the procession. Their presence indicates the village youth’s readiness to work together in the rice fields after the ceremony is over. Prayers, rituals and sacred atmosphere at the Village Hall Photo: Special The procession reached its climax when all participants entered the Lelea Village Hall to perform rituals and prayers together. The strains of gamelan and sinden chants create a solemn atmosphere characteristic of this tradition. The traditional elders then led prayers and expressed hope that the community would be given safety and bountiful harvests. This sacred atmosphere seems to bind the community’s relationship with their ancestors. This tradition, which has been maintained from generation to generation, is a strong proof that cultural values are still an important part of the life of the Indramayu agricultural community. Cultural heritage still preserved Until now, Ngarot is still a symbol of identity for the Lelea people. This tradition is celebrated not only as a form of gratitude, but also as a way to preserve the traditional values that shape the character of the local community. Amid changing times, Ngarot is becoming increasingly prominent as a cultural tourist attraction that enriches the experience of visitors. As a tradition that continues over generations, Ngarot is a reminder of the importance of people’s relationship with nature and the values of life passed down from their ancestors. In every march, from the Ngarot girls march to group prayers, there is a message about togetherness, purity of intentions and gratitude for the happiness provided. With sustained preservation, Ngarot is not only an annual traditional agenda in Lelea Village, but also a form of West Javanese cultural pride. Through this tradition, the Lelea people learn that caring for cultural heritage means preserving one’s identity while celebrating life with hope. (acn/ega)
